Coalition To Reduce Recidivism Newsletter Summer 2015

COALITION TO REDUCE RECIDIVISM

I N S I D E /O U T “A conviction does not have to be a life sentence” From Prison to Divine Purpose - Inside/Out talks with Pastor Josh Randolph by Kim Woods

Question: What happened when you were young that contributed to the bad behavior?

I began to hang around the wrong crowd. At that time they were considered the in crowd. They were doing things that, were not right and I adapted my lifestyle to that to try to fit in. I was raised by two wonderful parents who understood discipline and order. Once I got to the age of 18 and out from under my father’s housing, I lived on my own and started indulging in things that sent me into the wrong direction. It was my choice to live a destructive lifestyle.

Question: So you are breaking the stereo type that bad behavior comes from being raised in a broken home or parents who were not there for their children?

Correct. I made my own choices.

Question: What event or person helped move you in the right direction or caused your “Damascus” experience?

It was actually the day I got arrested. Prior to that day my mom called me crying saying that she had a dream about six or seven police officers. They had guns pointed toward me and had my face down to the ground. She begged me to stop selling drugs. She was crying please do it for me because I don’t want to see you go to jail. I felt at the time that she was jinxing me. I thought to myself that I have enough money and

I can stop now and get a real job and my family would still be cool. About five minutes after I hung up with my mom, my (drug) connect called me and asked if I was ready. So everything that my mom said to me came in one ear and went out the other. I went and got the stuff and the next day I ended up getting set up. I remember the police jumping out the back of the van and I tried to run. It was about six or seven police officers with guns pointed at me. All I could do was raise my hands. As I was raising my hands I started to smile. I started to remember the dream my mom told me the day before. I started thinking about all the things other people told me about changing my lifestyle. When the police pushed me to the ground and started hand cuffing me I knew within myself no matter what the outcome may be with this situation I would never find myself in this predicament again. I feel this was my “Damascus“ road. Also, my second day in county (jail) I remember being in the cell by myself and falling to the ground and praying to God that I did not want this lifestyle or live like this anymore. God answered me just as clear as day. He said “son you can either make the best of this or the worst of it but the choice is yours”. From that point, I chose to turn my life around and give my life to God. I then started on the path of redemption, restoration, and renewal. That’s when my new journey began.

Continued on Page 4

Page 2

Coalition to Reduce Recidivism

For more than 20 years, Illinois has had little reason to think about the private prison industry. In 1990, the state passed a moratorium on private prisons. But the moratorium did not include private federal facilities.

Ahead of the 2016 presidential election, some of the candidates’ ties to the prison-industrial complex raise a lot of questions.

For example, the GEO, one of the largest for-profit prison companies in the U.S., has contributed heavily to campaigns of Florida senator and Republican contender Marco Rubio. And Republican candidate Jeb Bush’s support of for-profit prisons goes back to the 1990s, when he oversaw prison privatization as Florida governor. Democratic front-runner Hillary Clinton is calling for criminal justice reform, which would reduce profits for private prisons and reduce mass incarceration. The privatization of prisons and prison services accelerated during former President Bill Clinton’s administration based on promises of cost savings and better treatment for inmates. Government-run prisons frequently fail in rehabilitation, in providing medical care and in protecting prisoners from abuse. But private prisons do worse. Based on a study by, the National Council on Crime and Delinquency (NCCD), Poorly paid and inadequately trained guards make for-profit prisons dangerous for staff and prisoners alike. Private prisons do, however, generate corporate profits. A 2012 NCCD study found that private prisons remain highly profitable and growing. CCA and the GEO Group, two of the corporations that dominate the private prison industry, post combined annual revenue of more than $3.3 billion.

From an article By Mary Turck, is an adjunct faculty member at Macalester College and a former editor of The Twin Cities Daily Planet.

The views expressed in this article are the author's own and do not necessarily reflect The Coalition To Reduce Recidivism.

Tell us what you think. Do you agree with the privatization of prisons? Do you feel a projected profit is worth the state of Illinois taking another look into it? Email Kwoods@waukegantownship.com. Your response may appear in our Coalition blog.

About Inside/Out Inside/Out is a publication of the Coalition to Reduce Recidivism, which is based in Lake County, Il. The newsletter intends to raise and discuss issues that affect the lives of men, women and children who are

incarcerated and who have been released from incarceration.

The views and opinions included herein do not necessarily state or reflect those of the coalition’s executive board or its individual members.

If you have news or updates for our newsletter you can send them to: kwoods@waukegantownship.com

Be sure to visit us on the web at: www.reducerecidivism.org

Upcoming Coalition Meetings How to Reach Us:

By Phone: (847) 244-4900

By Fax: (874) 244-5185

By Email:

The Coalition to Reduce Recidivism Executive Boar d will meet fr om 8:00 a.m. to 9:30 a.m., September 11, 2015 & November 6, 2015 at 149 S. Genesee Street., Waukegan, IL. The next Bi-Monthly Public Meeting will be Monday, July 20, 2015, Monday, September 21, 2015 and Monday, November 16, 2015 at 330 S. Greenleaf Road, Gurnee, IL.

coalition2rr@waukegantownship.com

Please consider joining the growing movement in support of the formerly incarcerated. Annual membership dues goes directly to supportive services on their behalf. Membership dues are as follows:

By Mail: Coalition to Reduce Recidivism 149 S. Genesee St. Waukegan, IL 60085

Corporate $500, Faith Membership Congregation 301+ $500 Faith Membership Congregation 100 - 300 $250 Faith Membership Congregation

up to 100 $150 Agency $150 Board of Director $100 Individual $50 Student, Senior(65+), Unemployed Repatriates $20

Coalition to Reduce Recidivism “No more Victims”

Page 3

From: The desk of the Employment Specialist

Coalition to Reduce Recidivism

To date, 1,203 Repatriates

News You Can Use

have obtained employment since its inception.

Coalition Jobs Report

54 Employed - Full time 36 Employed - Temp Agency Expungement & Sealing Data Executive Clemency - 57 (Pending) Waukegan Township Office Expungement - 51 (31 Pending) (20 Granted) LEGAL HELP DESK Sealing- 38 (22 Granted)(16)Pending) Total clients seen through the Legal Help Desk: 31

All it takes is one arrest to have a criminal record. Even if you were not formally charged with the crime or ever convicted by a court, that one arrest can follow you around and make your life difficult. Potential employers often perform routine criminal background checks as part of the employment process; even that one arrest that you may have forgotten all about because it happened so long ago can be enough to disqualify you for employment opportunities.

The Coalition to Reduce Recidivism’s motto is “A conviction/arrest doesn't have to be a life sentence”. If you've recently been released from jail or prison - or are likely to be released soon, the RRR program can help you find work immediately and apply for jobs with employers who won't discriminate against you, based on your criminal record. After all, it makes economic sense to participate in the rehabilitation process of returning citizens.

The C2RR believes in evidence base/best practice in services provided through this incredible organization.

Important Expungement links shared by the William D. Block Law Library: The Circuit Clerk: www.lakecountycircuitclerk.org/criminaldivision/expungements.

Illinois State Appellate Defender’s Office: www.illinois.gov/osad/Expungement/Pages/default.aspx.

Johnnie Jenkins Employment Specialist

By Dr. Richard Keller

 GREAT NEWS: HB 494, a bill removing life-time bars on employment in schools for men and women with criminal records, has passed out of the Illinois Senate. The legislation now heads to the Governor's desk.

What HB 494 does:  Removes the life-time bars for men and women with controlled substances convictions. 

Replaces the life-time bar against people with non-violent, non-sex related offenses with a 7 year restriction after completion of sentence.

 Returns discretion to local schools and allows employers to hire the best candidates for jobs.  Enables discretionary review of misdemeanor cannabis, prostitution, and public indecency charges.

What HB 494 does NOT Do:  Does NOT require any employer to hire a person with a record, nor does it seal or expunge a record!  Does NOT remove any disqualifying offenses that are directly related to sexual harm or children.

“A conviction does not have to be a life sentence”

Page 4

Coalition to Reduce Recidivism

Interview with Pastor Josh Randolph by Kim Woods: Continued from pg. 1 Question: Was there a part of you that wanted to get caught?

It’s funny that you asked because I would always tell myself I was doing what I was doing to take care of my family. People tell themselves that all the time. Most of the things you buy are selfish and for yourself. You get addicted to the lifestyle and showing people what you’ve obtained. I would tell myself I will quit if I go to jail.

Question: What would you say to people who read this and who think that you deserved what happened to you? Also, they may not feel like you are the right person to bring this message of redemption.

I wouldn’t say anything to a person like that because I don’t allow negativity into my atmosphere. If I have to address them I would let them know that I respect their opinion but I don’t agree with it. I would rather have a person who has been down this road to tell me about the ditches down the road so I won’t fall in, but if I do fall in, I want someone to tell me how they got out. Life experience is one of the best teachers. It may help you avoid some of the pitfalls by listening to their testimony. A testimony is the thing they’ve been through and overcame. Even the Bible says that they overcame by the blood of the lamb and the word of their testimony (Revelation 12:11).

Question: A lot of the repatriates don’t want to share their story because they feel like they are getting their lives together and are blending into society. They don’t want to lose friendships or change public opinion of them.

What would you say to people who are afraid of sharing their testimony?

I let them know that I understand but we must reach back and help others to overcome as we are overcoming. You can encourage those coming out of prison by attending support groups or programs that are private and give comfort. It’s hard when you have a felony on your record. What helped me, I had a strong support system that included my wife, my dad/mom, father/mother in law. I also got active and involved in the church that I was attending. That really helped me because I didn’t have time to hang with the same people I use to be around. I surrounded myself with people who would support my needs, not only for my past but my present. People who would help me reach my destiny that’s attached to my future. You can’t stop

destiny. God called you to go back and reach others and don’t be ashamed. I embrace my past. Don’t allow people’s opinion of you to stop you from fulfilling your purpose.

I’ll end with this: If you want to know the secret to changing the world you must first become the change in the world. If we have more light bearers to change this world then we will really see a changed world. *To see the full interview visit

http://www.reducerecidivism.org.

For years, Waukegan Township and the Coalition to Reduce Recidivism, have provided unique and lasting ways to give back to the community and to those whom we serve. A collective total of 80 students from Waukegan, North Chicago and Zion middle schools will be chosen to participate in the Kids Kuts Initiative.

Thank you to the following barbers for giving of your time and service: Wesley Campbell - Campbell's Barbershop - Zion Chris Prichett - Bass' Barbershop - Zion Maurice Hood - U Next Barber Academy Waukegan/Gurnee Chris Simmons - Amazing Cuts - Waukegan

Coalition to Reduce Recidivism “No more Victims”

Page 5

Coalition to Reduce Recidivism

On April 08, 2015, Sherry Murray passed away. She spent 15 years battling several health conditions including a lung transplant at Loyola University in 2000 and 30 years of giving of herself to improve the lives of others. Please offer prayers of comfort and peace for the family. No amount of words can make a time like this any easier but Waukegan Township was truly honored to be a part of the funeral service. We presented a Resolution in Sherry's honor. Please join us in celebrating the life of Sherry Murray. She was the Past President of the Coalition to Reduce Recidivism and worked diligently in helping to reduce recidivism by assisting exoffenders in becoming productive members of their communities. Service was held on Sunday, April 19, 2015 at 5:00 P.M. at the Sign of the Dove Church, 424 McAlister, Waukegan, IL. Pastor Harry Stackhouse, officiated. The interment was held at North Shore Garden of Memories. Rest in Peace, Dear Friend.

Pastor Walstone Francis is a Board Member and serves on the Community Renewal Society’s strategy team overlooking the Community Renewal Society of Lake County. Several times a year the Lake County CRS team joins forces with the Cook County team to travel to Springfield to advocate/lobby State Officials.

The group advocates for bills to remove barriers for ex offenders. Every resident has the right to:  Affordable housing.

    

A high-quality education.

Jobs that pay a living wage.

A fair criminal justice system.

Safe, vibrant neighborhoods.

Redeem themselves in the public eye once they've paid their debt to society.

The Community Renewal Society works purposefully on multiple issues, principally housing, jobs, education and criminal justice because they are often intertwined. They work with a wide cross section of communities and leaders, engaging them in these critical issues and suggest improvements in current public practices. For more information, visit www.communityrenewalsociety.org.

In each edition, we will feature a service organization who offer services to assist former inmates and their families.

The College of Lake County is offering a series of Prospective Student Information Sessions prior to the fall 2015 semester, which starts Aug. 24. The meetings will provide prospective students with information about getting started at CLC, financial aid/scholarships and an overview of academic programs and available academic resources. The sessions last one hour, and an optional campus tour is available following each session.

The college attracts a wide variety of students, with the average age being 25. In Spring Semester 2015, 62 percent of students were between 18-24 years old and 20 percent were between 25-34 years. Nearly three-fourths of CLC students attend classes part time with 26 percent attending full time. Seventy percent of students are enrolled in a baccalaureate/transfer curriculum and 27 percent are in an applied science or career program.

To learn more about the college’s degree and certificate options, visit www.clcillinois.edu/programs-and-classes.

To attend, please register by visiting www.clcillinois.edu/admission/become-astudent/steps/aim or call Enrollment Services at (847) 543-2090 Sylvia M. Johnson Jones Executive Director Career and Placement Services College of Lake County

Starting August 7th!

Repatriate, Empowering Support Group: Meets 1st and 3rd Friday of every month 5:30pm - 6:30pm., at 149 S. Genesee Street For info call 847-244-4900

“A conviction does not have to be a life sentence”

Page 6

Coalition to Reduce Recidivism

Cuts in Mental Healthcare and How it can affect Recidivism...

Proposed cuts to Department of Human Services Division of Mental Health.

"As we see services decreased in the community, we see more and more mentally ill individuals coming into our custody," *Jones Tapia said. "And they're not just coming in with basic mental health services, they're coming in such a severe state that they really require hospitalization. *Dr. Nneka Jones Tapia, first assistant executive director of the Cook County Department of Corrections who oversees the Cook County Jail's mental health strategy .

Obama almost never commutes the sentences of inmates, but that has changed...

President Obama commutes sentences of 46 non violent drug sentences. Obama said the move was part of his larger attempt to reform the criminal justice system, including reviewing sentencing laws and reducing punishments for non-violent crimes. "I believe that at its heart, America is a nation of second chances, and I believe these folks deserve their second chance," Obama said in the video.

LEGAL HELP DESK Arrests and acquittals are expungeable. Guilty pleas, probation, supervision and convictions, are not. The filing fee for an expungement is $60.

Information on how to file for an expungement is available through the Lake County Clerk’s Office, 18 N. County St., Waukegan, or online at: www.lakecountyil.gov/CircuitClerk/CivilCriminal/Pages/Expungements.aspx.

Help is also available at: www.illinoislegalaid.org The Coalition’s Legal Help Desk has volunteer lawyers, that offer free legal advice to people with criminal convictions and determine their eligibility for expungement and sealing. Hours are 1st Friday of the month from 12:00pm – 4:00pm. Volunteer Attorney On-Site to Assist with Expungement and Sealing Applications.

Walk In Preferred (No Appointment) Waukegan Township Supervisor’s Office 149 S. Genesee Street Waukegan, IL 60085. For information Call 847-244-4900 or email coalition2rr@waukegantownship.com.

BRING YOUR RAP SHEET (CRIMINAL HISTORY) Adult Criminal Lake County Cases: Request your rap sheet at the Lake County Clerk’s Office, 18 N. County Street, Waukegan, IL 60085, Basement Floor. Office open from 9am-5pm. Service fees required. For more information, please call (847) 244-4900.

Coalition to Reduce Recidivism “No more Victims”

Page 7

Coalition Youth Summit - Friday, May 1, 2015

Coalition to Reduce Recidivism

Over 120 students attended the 2015 Youth Summit from the following junior high school districts: Round Lake, Waukegan, and North Chicago. We had a series of six breakout sessions and two Keynote speakers.

The students enjoyed a breakfast and lunch that was provided by the local community college – College of Lake County. Students also participated in a panel where their peers asked them a series of questions. The students were engaged in the sessions and showcased their talent as the summit was wrapping up.

Waukegan Township provided gifts for the youth that showcased their talents. Overall, we have heard nothing but praise from the youth, teachers, and assistant principal that attended the summit. The presenters were well prepared and the sessions were well attended. Everyone felt that the committee did a superb job organizing the meetings, selecting thought-provoking topics and identifying schools.

Congratulations on both a successful and a memorable summit. Stay tuned for an upcoming date for the quarterly Youth Summit events.

Sylvia M. Johnson Jones - Co-Chair, Coalition Youth Summit The 2015 Coalition Youth Summit workshops topics: *Violence, Gangs and Police Brutality. * What makes me angry? * Drug Use and Abuse. * Importance of Choices, Decision Making and Goal Setting. * Social Media, Cyber-Bullying, and Explicit Messaging. * Children of the incarcerated/Children raised by other relatives.

Special thanks to this year’s speakers: Strahinja Gostovic, Markise Jackson, Marcus McAllister, Marc Jones, Omar Cendejaz, Det. Harold Rollins, Melinda Gronen, John Rivers, Pastor Josh Randolph, Sharon Epps, Pastor Todd Fletcher, Det. Roman Buchberger, Jennifer Witherspoon, Arlene Day, Sylvia Johnson-Jones, and Dr. Mary Roberson.

Message from Dr. Mary Roberson, President Coalition to Reduce Recidivism I am so pleased with the work that is being conducted by the Coalition to Reduce Recidivism.

Over the past few months a great momentum has taken places. Kudos to the Youth Summit Sub-Committee and Membership Sub-Committee, for the phenomenal efforts put forth on their respective initiatives.

As I embark upon the next stage of my journey I am pleased to continue as President of the Coalition to Reduce Recidivism. I have been privileged to be a part of such a wonderful community here in Lake County and work with such talented individuals since the inception of the Coalition to Reduce Recidivism. Going forward, I will continue to be active in our community as an educator at Dominican University and as a contractor with the Naval Reserve Command at Great Lakes Naval Station.

“A conviction does not have to be a life sentence”

Coalition to Reduce Recidivism

Page 8

We see young people playing active roles in addressing issues and being a part of creating solutions. The inspiration and knowledge from these young people is what prompted the Coalition to collaborate with Waukegan Township to take a group of high school and college students to the PUSH Excel Youth Summit in Chicago, IL. The summit was held on June 22nd and offered a full day of workshops from 10:00am to 5:00pm. The computer workshops introduced students to Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM) studies.

Additional workshops offered a focus on preparing college-bound students and Patricia Jones, M.ED their families for the financial demands of higher education and exploring Founder, Chairperson strategies and resources that will help families make the dream of obtaining a Waukegan Township Supervisor college degree affordable.

We can’t improve education and reduce crime if we don’t listen to our youth. The Coalition will continue to expose students to programs that will encourage our young people to focus on school, set goals and feel more empowered to make positive decisions. Please contact the Coalition to find out how you can become involved. For more information visit coalition2rr@waukegantownship.com.

On Friday, June 19, 2015 the Coalition hosted a Job Fair and Expungement Summit at Christian Faith Fellowship Church in Waukegan, IL. Thanks to Pastor Willie Moton and the church staff for allowing us to utilize your facility to host this life changing and enriching event. The fair/summit gave people who've been convicted, a second chance to clear their records, obtain employment and start life anew.

A host of other agencies provided information on employment, job training, health care, housing, voter registration and other services for ex-offenders. Volunteer attorneys were on Pastor Todd Fletcher hand, to look at cases and explain options for expungement or sealing. Thank you to all the vendors, speakers and volunteers who worked hard to make this event a great success. Over 150 participants attended, over 35 met with an attorney for Expungement information, and over 282 stops were made at the 13 employer booths present.

Committee Members: Patricia Jones - Coalition Board Chairperson Waukegan Township Supervisor, Dr. Mary Roberson - Coalition President - Nicasa Behavioral Health Services, Jennifer Witherspoon Coalition Vice-President - NAACP of Lake County, Sylvia M. Johnson Jones - Summit Chair - College of Lake County, Todd Fletcher Coalition Board Member - Lake County Jail, Demar Harris - Lake County Workforce, Warren Thomas - College of Lake County, Cynthia Trujillo-Vargas - Lake County State’s Attorney’s Office. Please join us for the 12th Annual Coalition Job Fair/Luncheon on Friday, October Pictured: Barbara Altman, Speaker - Anne Smith, Pastor Moton, Anne Smith, and 9, 2015 at the Milan Banquet Hall in Waukegan, Il. For more Pastor Goodwin. information call 847-244-4900.

Speakers: Todd Fletcher - Coalition Board Member - Lake County Jail Re-Entry Specialist, Dr. Richard Keller - Coalition Board Member - Faculty State Career College, Cynthia Trujillo-Vargas Communication Manager - Lake County State’s Attorney, Honorable Dorothy Brown - Clerk of the Circuit Court Cook County, IL, Honorable Judge George Bridges - 19th Judicial Circuit Court, Honorable Michael Nerheim - Lake County State’s Attorney, Salvador Diaz - State of Illinois Prison Review Board.

“A conviction does not have to be a life sentence”